Progress

97 pledged

+47 over goal

Pledge to

Break the silence on SGBV against women in the eastern DRC, by raising awareness about the issue in

This pledge closed over 3 years ago

How this will help

The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been deemed the rape capital of the world, by recognized international
institutions such as the UN. Under the climate of civil war, women of all ages
are falling victims of sexual and gender based violence (SGBV)
primarily by armed men. These perpetrators are comitting some of the
worst imaginable atrocities against their victims, with crimes ranging
from gang rape, mutilation, to shoving sticks and objects into the
vaginas. As a result, the majority of surviving victims end up
contracting STDS such as HIV, and get rejected by their families and
community members. The perpetrators on the other hand suffer no
repercussions. The high level of impunity in the region, facilitated by
corruption, allows these men to continue abusing civilians freely. As a
result, this brutal and inhumane cycle of destruction continues. There
are, however, agents of change in this situation. Dr. Denis Mukwege, who
is the founder and lead surgeon of Panzi Hospital in Bukavu, DRC,
happens to be one of them. He treats these victims of SGBV in his
hospital, free of charge, due to financial support his hospital receives
from international donors. Help me in supporting Panzi Hospital, which
provides a haven for these women during their medical recovery, by
donating whatever you can afford to this cause. Through my
non-for-profit organization "Hands for the Heart Charitable
Organization," which aims to raise awareness about the conflicts
happening in eastern DRC, I would like to raise a minimum of $2000 for
Panzi Hospital. Join in the cause, by supporting financially, so we can
make this happen. Finally, sign the pledge to break the silence on SGBV against Conglese women in the eastern DRC, and remember to visit the following links: